The Reincarnated Eldest Witch Sister Embraces Self-Sacrifice - Chapter 3: Dawn

When I opened my heavy eyelids, an unfamiliar ceiling greeted me. After the battle, I was carried somewhere and laid in a bed. Judging by the brightness outside, it must be around noon.

I tried to speak, but my throat was too hoarse to produce a clear voice. As I let out a groan, a figure moving on the bed came into my view.

“Sister? If you’re awake, please respond, my sister. Otherwise―”

“Cough, cough. Don’t look so serious. I’m alive and well.”

It was Istos, my younger sister, on the bed. Seeing me awake, she climbed over the blanket and hugged me.

“Thank goodness… Are you hurt?”

“No, I don’t think I’m injured, though I must’ve been in a terrible state. But I am a bit thirsty. Could I have some water?”

“Sure, I’ll get it.”

Istos left the room and quickly returned with a glass of water. I sat up in bed and drank it slowly, soothing my throat.

“Thank you. Where are we now?”

“We’re in a guest room of the Polis Commercial City orphanage. The city guards who came to help us brought us here. They said we could stay for a while.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

Hearing Istos’s words, I murmured. We, having lost our parents, were now orphans. It was natural to be taken to an orphanage instead of a barracks.

“The other two are here as well, right?

“Yes. Demeter and Hekate are here, too. A guard came by earlier, saying he has something to discuss with you.”

“Understood. Could you call them here? I should show them my face and reassure them.”

“…Can’t we be alone a little longer?”

“Not now. I’ll spend time with you later when things settle down.”

“Okay…”

Istos left the room with a disappointed look. I took a deep breath and held my head, trying to stay strong in front of my sisters. My heart was filled with anxiety about the future. Magic could solve many things, but life with a reliable guardian would be challenging. The memory of last night’s events also threatened to overwhelm me.

But lamenting wouldn’t bring our parents back. I had to face reality and deal with a multitude of problems, especially in the aftermath of the attack.

Lost in thought, I was interrupted when Istos returned with Demeter and Hekate.

Putting on a brave face, I greeted them with a smile.

“Onee-chan!”

“Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine. See, I’m the same Onee-chan as always, right?”

Saying that, I gently stroked the heads of Demeter and Hekate, who had leaped into my arms. They relaxed their expressions, seemingly reassured. As a human, I found their response gratifying. I knew their affection for me, and their eager approach was not a first.

A knock on the door interrupted us as I spent a little time with my sisters.

“Guard Ephnol here. I have something to discuss with Ulgiar-sama. Is she available?”

“That must be the guard Istos mentioned.”

“Probably.”

“In that case, Istos, please open the door. Demeter and Hekate, step back for now.”

Demeter and Hekate obediently moved away, satisfied for the moment. Istos opened the door, and a man in guard’s armor entered the room, a man with a gentle face, possibly in his thirties.

“I apologize for intruding. There are a few things I need to convey.”

“No problem. What do you need?”

He seemed very polite, unusual for someone addressing a twelve-year-old. Perhaps it was his nature, or maybe he feared the power of a witch.

“Firstly, we need to confirm something. We believe you repelled the attackers based on the evidence at the scene. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“As a representative of the guards, I want to thank you. While some lives were lost, you saved many children’s lives. We’ve arranged a small reward for your bravery.”

Ephnol handed me a leather pouch containing five gold coins, about enough for a month’s living expenses for us sisters. It’s not a large sum, but it’s not insignificant either.

“Next, about your future. For now, you can stay in this orphanage until you’re fifteen. Basic lodging and meals are provided, but the living conditions won’t be great. I advise you to find work as soon as possible.”

I appreciated his advice, though I had already planned to find work and earn money to regain our previous lifestyle. As their elder sister, I couldn’t let my siblings suffer.

“Thank you for the advice. Anything else?”

“Lastly, about the attackers. It might be shocking, but the assailants were from the Theos Cult, believers who see witches as harbingers of disaster. We’re trying to suppress them, but they’re not eradicated. Please stay cautious.”

“Understood. Is that all?”

“Yes. Thank you for your time.”

Ephnol left the room with a polite bow, maintaining his courteous demeanor throughout.

Now, I couldn’t stay in bed forever. My legs wobbled as I tried to stand, and Istos quickly supported me.

“Don’t push yourself.”

“It was just a slip. I’m fine.”

Resisting Istos’s attempt to lay me back down, I stood firmly.

The immediate crisis was over, but life was still ahead. My humble battle had just begun, dedicated to my sisters in this second chance at life.